Celeb Savant

Bruno Tilley - a British creative director, designer, writer and music video director - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Bruno takes us through his fascinating journey in the entertainment industry, which includes starting out designing album covers for artists at Island Records, how he got into directing and producing music videos, with his first director credit being Bob Marley's Buffalo Soldier. He also reveals his current projects, which include design work and turning one of his screenplays into a novel. Website - www.brunotilley.com Instagram - @brunotilley Facebook - @bruno.tilley LinkedIn - @bruno-tilley-5802366

Rayne - a South African singer and songwriter who signed with David Gresham Records in 2025 - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Rayne explains that he always wanted to go professional and went for it when he felt confident with his songs, how he is working on the challenge of being overly self-critical, and he explains what recession pop is. Website - www.raynemusic.co.za Instagram - @rayne.music Facebook - @raynemusic.co.za TikTok - @rayne.music YouTube - @rayne6851

Andrew Meyer - American movie producer, developer, executive, and author - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Andrew takes us through his multi-decade career as we dive into each of his jobs, namely producing stadium concerts, record producer, executive producer for films (that have been nominated for Oscars, Golden Globes and BAFTAS like The Breakfast Club, Fried Green Tomatoes etc), and about his book, Walking in the Fast Lane: Stories of a Lifetime. Website - www.andrewmeyerentertainment.com Instagram - @andrewmeyerentertainment Facebook - @andy.b.meyer

Alessia Labate - an Italian dance singer, songwriter, and rising star - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Alessia explains how she grew up in a musical family, why she says that it is important to detach one's self from their art, and why she says that the dance music world is more open and welcoming than the pop music world. Instagram - @alessialabate_ Facebook - @alessialabateofficial Twitter - @alessialabate_ TikTok - @alessialabate__ YouTube - @AlessiaLabate

Apple Gule - a South African singer and songwriter - joins us live in studio on this episode of Celeb Savant. Apple tells us the story behind his stage name, how he started out singing the national anthem at sports events, and how he has remained positive through the challenging times of his career. This episode was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts, Johannesburg, South Africa. Instagram - @applegule Facebook - @applegule Twitter - @applegule TikTok - @appleguleofficial YouTube - @Itsgulehome

Shannon Esra, a South African Award-winning and SAFTA-nominated actress, joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. As we share the stage and screen, Shannon tells us about how she hates waiting when it comes to being on set, and what seasoned actors taught her when she first started. We also discuss her show-hopping character Sandra Stein, and the character's latest iteration on Law, Love & Betrayal S2. Instagram - @shannonesra_official Facebook - @Shannon.Esra Twitter - @ShannonEsra

Dennis Matkosky - an American producer and songwriter with over 70 million record sales - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear about his multi-decade and multi-award-nominated career, which includes writing the smash hit song 'Maniac' for the movie Flashdance, producing and writing for Sarah Brightman, Chicago, LeAnn Rimes, Smokey Robinson and many more… and we find out what it means to produce for an artist. Instagram - @dennis_matkosky Facebook - @dmatkosky

Jon Secada, a Cuban-born and American-based singer and songwriter, joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Jon takes us through his Grammy Award-winning career, which includes what motivates him to keep creating music and performing live after being in the industry for over three decades, the challenges in the current music industry landscape, and more about his latest project, Fascination - a tribute to Nat King Cole with Gonzalo Rubalcaba. Website - www.jonsecada.com Instagram - @jonsecada Facebook - @jonsecada Twitter - @jonsecada YouTube - @JONSECADAYOUTUBE

Dina Renée - an American singer, songwriter, actress, and model - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Dina explains how she left for Los Angeles at the age of 18 to pursue her music career, we hear why she calls her latest releases 'empowerment pop'… and the importance of going for voice lessons. Website - www.dinareneemusic.com Instagram - @dinarenee Facebook - @dinarenee Twitter - @dinarenee TikTok - @dinarenee1 YouTube - @dinarenee

Alex Davies - a British musician, TV composer, songwriter, producer, and front man of Elliot Minor - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Alex takes us through his multidisciplinary career, which includes the journey of the band, what surprised him about being a professional artist, and his writing of music for television and songs for other artists. Website - www.alexdaviesmusic.com Instagram - @alexdaviesmusic Facebook - @alex.davies.146 Twitter - @alexdaviesmusic TikTok - @alexdaviesmusic

Maryze - a Canadian and French singer and songwriter - joins us from Los Angeles on this episode of Celeb Savant. Maryze tells us about her story, which includes how she got over the challenge of doors closing at the beginning of her career, her experience being a queer artist in the industry, and how she has found a balance for her perfectionism. Website - www.maryzemusic.com Instagram - @maryzemusic Facebook - @MaryzeMusic Twitter - @MaryzeMusic TikTok - @MaryzeMusic YouTube - @MaryzeMusic

Razeen Dada - a South African actor and producer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Razeen tells us how he started out in the entertainment industry as a model, how taking up acting classes put him on the path to acting, and about his latest project - The Cane Cutter. Instagram - @razeendada Facebook - @RazeenDadaActor TikTok - @razeendada YouTube - @razeendada1605

Ben Provest - an Australian singer, songwriter, producer, and musician - joins us from the USA on this episode of Celeb Savant. Ben explains what surprised him about becoming a professional artist, the difference between creating music for himself compared to creating for others, and what he loves about performing live. Website - www.benprovestmusic.com Instagram - @ben_provest Facebook - @BenProvestMusic TikTok - @benprovest YouTube - @BenjaminProvest

Sketchy Bongo - a South African DJ, songwriter and producer - joins us from Dubai on this episode of Celeb Savant. We dive into Sketchy's creative mind, which includes how he came up with his stage name, the story behind why he wore the ski mask, which is part of his brand. We also get into his creative process, and the current music industry landscape. Instagram - @sketchybongo_official TikTok - @sketchybongo_official YouTube - @sketchybongo

Thereza Bazar, a Canadian-born and Australian-based singer and songwriter, joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Thereza tells us about her multi-decade career in the music industry, which includes the success of being part of the '80s duo Dollar. Find out what motivated her to start creating music and performing again, and we discuss the relevance of the music charts. Facebook - @TherezaBazarOfficial

Justė, a Lithuanian-born, Denmark-based electronic music DJ and producer, joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Justė explains how it was her dream to become a DJ and producer since she was a child. We hear how her determination and focus took her out of survival mode and into following her dream to become an artist, about her creative process and more. Instagram - @djjuste_ YouTube - @djjuste

What So Not - an Australian DJ and producer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. What So Not explains the meaning behind his stage name, and how seeing Justice at a music festival motivated him to follow his current path. We also discuss his creative process, and what's coming next. Website - www.whatsonot.com Instagram - @whatsonot Facebook - @whatsonot Twitter - @whatsonot TikTok - @whatsonot YouTube - @whatsonot

Andre Lotter - a South African stage, screen, and Royalty Soapy Award winner - joins us live in studio on this episode of Celeb Savant. Andre explains how partaking in theatre productions at school motivated him to pursue acting as a career. He discusses the concept of research when it comes to acting, we unpack performing on stage, in front of the camera, and dive into the world of soap operas. This episode of Celeb Savant was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts in Johannesburg, South Africa. Instagram -@andrelotter Facebook -@andrelotter Twitter - @andrelotter TikTok - @andrelotter

JP Cooper - a British multi-platinum-selling singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. JP tells us that it was a long, slow process until he became a professional artist, signing his first record deal at the age of 30. We hear about his creative process, how he has grown in his confidence to be comfortable to write songs by himself, and why it is freeing to write for other artists. Website - www.jpcoopermusic.com Instagram - @jpcoopermusic Facebook - @jpcoopermusic TikTok - @jpcoopermusic YouTube - @jpcoopermusic

Chellcy Reitsma - a Dutch-American, Malta-based singer, songwriter, visual artist, and poet - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Chellcy explains that she was a professional dancer who ended up in a wheelchair due to ankle injuries, how she started singing and writing songs, her creative process, and why she says, “I don't want to do a genre, I want to do me." Website - www.chellcyreitsma.com Instagram - @chellcyreitsma_official Facebook - @chellcy.reitsmaartist YouTube - @ChellcyReitsma

Phil Cunningham - a Zimbabwean-born, South African-based producer and director - joins us for this episode of Celeb Savant. Phil takes us through his journey in creating movies, unpacks the world of animation filmmaking, and tells us why it took 37 years to create the movie 'David'... from ideation to release. Website - www.sunriseproductions.tv Instagram - @sunriseanimationstudios Facebook - @sunrisehq TikTok - @sunriseanimationstudios YouTube - @SunriseAnimationStudios

Jethro 'Alonestar' Sheeran - a British musician, record producer, and rapper - joins us for a third time on Celeb Savant. We catch up with Jethro since we last spoke, and he tells us about his recent health challenges, about how and why he has refocused his routine and energy in order to slow down, and more about his latest, as yet to be titled album. Instagram - @alonestarsheeran Facebook - @jethrostar Twitter - @ALONESTAR1 TikTok - @alonestarsheeran YouTube - @AlonestarMusic

Keanan Eksteen - a South African singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Keanan explains the journey of being a bedroom artist… to how he met his manager and became professional, what he has learned from taking up vocal training, and his creative process. We also discuss the current music industry landscape. Website - www.keananeksteenlive.com Instagram - @keananeksteenlive Facebook - @keananeksteenlive TikTok - @keananeksteenlive YouTube - @keananeksteen7158

DJ Zan-D - a South African music producer, radio presenter, and club DJ - joins us live in studio on this episode of Celeb Savant. He takes us across the airwaves as he tells us about his multi-decade career in the media space… how he started DJing at events as a teenager, his experience of living in London for 6 years, then returning to South Africa and creating a successful career in the media and DJ performance world. This episode of Celeb Savant was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts, Johannesburg, South Africa. Instagram - @djzand Facebook - @djzand Twitter - @DjZanD TikTok - @djzand YouTube - @DjZanD

James Artissen - an American Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, record producer, and audio engineer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. James explains how as a teenager he had the opportunity to be mentored by artists such as Whodini and DJ Jazzy Jeff, his process of producing and writing songs for other artists (including Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, and Wiz Khalifa) and about creating and releasing his own solo projects. Website - www.jamesartissen.com Instagram - @jamesartissen Facebook - @jamesartissenmusic Twitter - @jamesartissen TikTok - @jamesartissen YouTube - @JamesArtissen

Dwson - a South African DJ, producer, artist, and remixer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Known as the beat architect of SA's deep house scene, Dwson tells us how he chose his stage name, and how he progressed from being a mobile DJ to a two x DMASA-winning and SAMA-nominated producer and artist… he also explains the movement he started - Dope Room. Instagram - @dwsonofficial Facebook - @dwsonofficial Twitter - @dwsonofficial TikTok - @dwsonofficial YouTube - @dwsonofficial

Shekhinah - a South African singer, songwriter, and multi SAMA award-winning artist - joins us live in studio for this episode of Celeb Savant. Shekhinah explains what it means to live the life of a pop star, her experience on Idols SA, why she takes her time when it comes to creating music, and what's coming up next. This episode of Celeb Savant was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts in Johannesburg, South Africa. Website - www.shekhinahd.com Instagram - @shekhinahd Facebook - @shekhinahd Twitter - @shekhinahd TikTok - @shekhinahd YouTube - @shekhinah1229

Keithian - an American singer, songwriter, and producer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We dive into Keithian's world, which includes how he creates music, the difference between releasing an EP and an album, what he enjoys about performing live, and about his latest album - Human I Sinner. Website - www.keithian.music/overview Instagram - @iKeithian Facebook - @iKeithian TikTok - @iKeithian YouTube - @iKeithian

Riva Taylor - a British singer, songwriter, and actress - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear how she got her first record deal at the age of 12 under the name Becky Taylor, and why she reinvented herself as Riva. Plus, her time as a child and teenager in the very adult business of the music industry, taking a break to go to university, and her return to creating music. Website - www.rivataylor.com Instagram - @rivataylor Facebook - @rivataylorofficial Twitter - @IAmRivaTaylor TikTok - @iamrivataylor YouTube - @therivataylor

Nigel May - a British entertainment all-rounder who works on radio and TV and is a successful author and podcast host - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Nigel takes us through his multi-faceted career, which includes what he loves about interviewing others on his podcast 'A Gay Old Time' and on his radio show on Gaydio, his 20 years presenting Craft TV, and his journey becoming an author. We also discuss the world of the celebrity and the music charts. Website - www.nigelmay.net Instagram - @nigelmay Facebook - @nigel.may Twitter - @Nigel_May TikTok - @agayoldtime YouTube - @nigelmay5653

D:Ream - Peter Cunnah and Al MacKenzie from the Irish pop and dance group - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. The duo tells us about the origins of the band's name, how the band was formed, what motivates them to keep creating and performing after three decades in the industry, and more about their latest album, Do It Anyway. Website - www.d-ream.co.uk Instagram - @d_ream_music Facebook - @d.ream.co.uk Twitter - @d_ream_music TikTok - @d_ream_music

Limahl - a British singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Limahl takes us through his multi-decade career, which includes reaching the top of the charts in the band Kajagoogoo with their first song Too Shy, his experience of being used as clickbait, and what the effects are of having his music featured in current series such as Stranger Things. Website - www.limahl.com Instagram - @limahl_official Facebook - @limahlofficial Twitter - @Limahl_Official TikTok - @limahl.music.official YouTube - @Limahlonline

Black Motion - Thabo Mabogwane and Kabelo Koma from the multi SAMA award-winning Afro house duo - joins us live in studio on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear Thabo and Kabelo's individual stories, how they create music, how they prepare for their sets, and more about their events - Friends of Black Motion. This episode of Celeb Savant was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts, Johannesburg, South Africa. Instagram - @realblackmotion Facebook - @realblackmotion Twitter - @Black_Motion TikTok - @officialblackmotion YouTube - @blkmotion

Sonny E. - a British-born, Austrian-based producer, DJ, and Cyberbilly artist - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Sonny has been in the industry for three decades, performing under various guises, one of which was Adamski. We hear how he released his first single with his brother at the age of 11, what Cyberbilly is, and even delve into the history of music. Instagram - @sonny_e_cyberbilly Facebook - @sonny.e.cyberbilly YouTube - @sonny_e_cyberbilly

Áine Duffy - an Irish singer, songwriter, and guitarist - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear how after college Áine travelled to experience the world, how she built herself a stage out of a donkey box during the pandemic, and in order for people to not touch her equipment, she put up the sign 'don't touch my knob'. Hearing about the lack of representation of female artists in Ireland, she has now created a show featuring female artists called 'Don't Touch my Knob'. Website - www.aineduffy.ie Instagram - @aineduffymusic Facebook - @aineduffymusic TikTok - @duffbox YouTube - @AineDuffymusic

Emily Ulman - an Australian singer, songwriter, and music festival executive program director - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. She tells us why it took her over a decade to release her latest project, Severe Clear… and takes us through the different roles she's had in the industry - highlighting programming music venues, festivals, and events, and her radio show, with the focus being on supporting local talent. Instagram - @millylala Facebook - @emilyulmanmusic Twitter - @millylala TikTok - @emilyulman YouTube - @emilyulman

Stars Go Dim (Chris Cleveland) - American Christian and pop singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Chris takes us through his multiple award-winning (CMT, ASCAP, NSAI etc.) journey, which includes focusing on positivity during times of failure, the way he creates music, and about his latest album, Roses. Website - www.starsgodim.com Instagram - @starsgodim Facebook - @starsgodim Twitter - @StarsGoDim TikTok - @starsgodim YouTube - @starsgodimmusic

Nina West - an American Drag Queen, performer, artist, and winner of Miss Congeniality on RuPaul's Drag Race - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Nina tells us how she chose her drag name, the behind-the-scenes of being a drag artist, about her time on RuPaul's Drag Race, and more about the current drag landscape. Website - www.ninawest.com Instagram - @ninawest Facebook - @superdragqueen1 YouTube - @NinaWestOfficial TikTok - @ninawestofficial

Kwamé - an American singer, rapper, and record producer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Kwame tells us how he signed his first record deal at the age of 16, why he prefers creating music by himself, about the toy company he co-founded called Lets Be Onyx, and more about his latest album - The Different Kids. Website - www.letsbeonyx.com Instagram - @kwamevision Facebook - @KWAMETHEBOYGENIUS TikTok - @kwamevision1 YouTube - @kwamevevo6931

John Sanderson - a British music executive and Head of Creative at Notting Hill Music - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. John tells us about his multi-decade career, which includes starting out as a DJ. He also shares about his time working at Disco Music Club, managing the production/remix team Love To Infinity, and he discusses the importance of networking and writing camps. Instagram - @johnsaundersonmusic Facebook - @johnsaunderson

Emeline - an American singer, songwriter, producer, and RIAA certified gold - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Emeline explains how as a child, she was a seriously competitive songwriter. Plus, how she stayed positive during the six years until she eventually got her foot in the door, her advice to achieve your biggest dreams, and all about her music. Facebook - @emelineisme Instagram - @emelineisme Twitter - @emelineisme TikTok - @emelineisme YouTube - @emelineisme

Hypaton - an Italian dance DJ, producer, and viral sensation - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Hypaton explains that his father was in a band in the ‘70s and had the same stage name, so he decided to carry on the tradition, and how he was inspired to follow the creative path by his cousin, Giuseppe Ottaviani - a trance DJ and producer. Plus, how going viral on social media helped him gain success, resulting in David Guetta becoming his mentor Website - www.hypaton76.com Instagram - @hypaton Facebook - @hypaton76 Twitter - @hypaton76 TikTok - @hypaton YouTube - @hypaton76

Chmba - a Malawian singer, songwriter, DJ, and producer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Chmba explains the meaning of her stage name, how she started out creating mixes for friends as a hobby before pursuing music professionally, and how the noises around her inspires her creativity. Her and Barret also bond over loadshedding. Instagram - @chmba Facebook - @chmbamusic Twitter - @ChmbaMusic TikTok - @chmbamusic YouTube - @chmba

Australian-based vocalist and instrumentalist Joana Lavole from The Witchy Djypsies joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Joana fills us in on the story behind the band's name, how she moved to Australia from the Caribbean, the journey of the band, what surprised her, what she loves about performing live and more! Website - www.witchydjypsies.com Instagram - @thewitchydjypsies Facebook - @TheWitchyDjypsies TikTok - @TheWitchyDjypsies YouTube - @thewitchydjypsies6784

Brazen Barbie - a Kenyan-Australian musician, artist, and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear how Brazen Barbie chose her stage name, why at first she didn't think it would be possible to release music professionally, her creative process, and more about her mixtape, Brazen. Instagram - @thabrazen Facebook - @jehmeela.dalton.9 Twitter - @BrazenBarbie TikTok - @BrazenBarbie YouTube - @brazenbarbiee

Felix Parker - from Australian alternative rock act, Cloning - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Felix tells us how the band chose their name, what aspect of being professionals in the industry surprised them, and more about what's coming next. Website - www.cloningmusic.com Instagram - @cloning_aus Facebook - @cloningaus TikTok - @cloningmusic YouTube - @CloningMusic

Shawn Desman - a Canadian singer, songwriter and Juno, MMVAs and SOCAN award-winning artist - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Shawn explains how he independently recorded his first Portuguese album at the age of 10, how he became the teenage Canadian Portuguese 'Justin Bieber', and how after stepping away from the industry, Drake convinced him to start creating music again. Website - www.shawndesman.com Instagram - @shawndesman Facebook - @ShawnDesmanOfficial TikTok - @shawndesman YouTube - @ShawnDesmanVEVO

Molly Hocking - a British singer, songwriter, and the winner of the 8th season of The Voice UK - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear how Molly joined a theatre group at the age of 8, which helped with her self-confidence, about her journey on The Voice UK, why she is grateful for all the doors that have closed along the way, and what is coming next. Website - www.mollyhocking.com Instagram - @molly.hocking.music Facebook - @justmollyhocking Twitter - @hocking_molly TikTok - @justmollyhocking YouTube - @Justmollyhocking

Maya Manuela - an American emerging singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Maya explains that she gave up college to pursue music in Nashville, why she shifted away from creating country music, her creative process, and all about her debut album - American Doll. Website - www.mayamanuela.com Instagram - @mayamanuela_ TikTok - @mayamanuela YouTube - @mayamanuela

Tommy Champion - an American genre-fluid music producer, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and sound designer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Tommy explains how moving to New York, and co-founding Carriage House Studio has allowed him to collaborate with artists in every available genre. We also hear how creating in different genres has inspired Tommy to focus on his own music, and more about his latest projects. Website - www.tommychampion.com Instagram - @tommychampion.wav Facebook - @tommychampionmusic TikTok - @tommychampion.wav YouTube - @tommychampion.mp4

Ashleigh Watson - an Australian upcoming independent retro soul singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear how Ashleigh joined the Motown soul band Sweethearts at the age of 14 until 22, where she was a mentor in the band, how studying jazz after school laid the foundation for the next phase of her career, and more about collaborating with Michael Cristiano for her latest project. Website - www.ashleighwatsonmusic.com Instagram - @ashleighwatsonmusic Facebook - @ashleighwatsonmusic YouTube - @AshleighWatsonMusic